Murder and manslaughter

This was a highly complex and unusual murder case attracting national publicity. It was the first case in peace-time where a defendant was prevented from giving evidence in open court. The victim, an author-recluse, was found by the police in his home in Hampstead some two months after he had been battered to death. Following an international manhunt, the Defendant was extradited from Switzerland and twice stood trial. On each occasion, he was stopped from giving evidence in open Court due to national security concerns.

Reporting:

• BBC
• The Guardian

This was a high profile case alleging that Nicholas Van Hoogstraten a multimillionaire property owner and person of prominence in the public domain allegedly paid hit men to murder a business associate following a disagreement over various property deals. Janes were instructed following the defendant’s conviction for manslaughter which was quashed on appeal and a re-trial ordered. Legal submissions were made on behalf of the defendant and in the final event, a not guilty verdict was entered.   

Reporting:

• The Independent